China in the South Caucasus and Uzbekistan (November 10-16)

Georgia

Interview with the Ambassador of Georgia

November 10

Paata Kalandadze, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Georgia to the People’s Republic of China, gave an interview to Shanghai’s leading media outlet, “Jiefang Daily,” which is considered one of the most authoritative news sources, within the framework of the China International Import Expo.

Paata Kalandadze spoke about the dynamic development of Georgia-China relations, Georgia’s participation in the CIIE with honorary guest status, and the prospects for deepening cooperation in the fields of economy and tourism.

Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Visited China

November 10

Georgia’s Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, Shalva Tatumadze, together with Teimuraz Mgebrishvili, Head of the Emergency Management Service, travelled on a working visit to China’s Hainan Province. During the visit, Tatumadze met with Xiu Zhiyao, Deputy Minister of Emergency Management of the People’s Republic of China.

At the meeting, the parties discussed priority directions and future activities for cooperation between Georgia and China in the field of emergency management. They also emphasized the importance of expanding bilateral relations and organizing joint training and courses to share experience.

During the visit, the Deputy Minister also attended the 2025 Belt and Road Ministerial Meeting on disaster-risk reduction and emergency management.

Chinese Ambassador’s Article in Georgian Media

November 13

The Interpressnews website published an article by the Chinese Ambassador titled “China Sets a Development Plan that Will Bring Stability to an Unstable World.” The article discusses the 15th Five-Year Plan of the Communist Party of China, which, according to the ambassador, “establishes a top-level plan for China’s modernization” and creates new opportunities for countries around the world

In the article, the ambassador highlights China’s economic and social achievements and notes that “the ability to formulate and implement medium- and long-term plans is one of the key advantages of China’s governance.” He also emphasizes that under the new Five-Year Plan, the Communist Party of China intends to continue expanding its “high-level openness” to the outside world, including through the multilateral trading system, international exchanges, and cooperation with other countries.

Notably, alongside China’s economic potential, Qian also focuses on ongoing Georgia–China relations, stating that Georgia is China’s “first free-trade partner in the region,” while “China is Georgia’s fourth-largest trading partner.” According to him, the 15th Five-Year Plan “creates broader prospects” for China–Georgia bilateral relations.

It is noteworthy that the concluding section of the article reflects China’s ambitions as a rising major power. Specifically, the ambassador writes:
“In the future, China will continue to promote high-quality development, make new and significant contributions to global economic growth, and continue to demonstrate its responsibilities as a major power […].”

Givi Mikanadze at the World Chinese Language Conference

November 14

In Beijing, the World Chinese Language Conference was held under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, bringing together nearly 5,000 participants from more than 160 countries.

Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Givi Mikanadze, took part in the World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing at the invitation of China’s Minister of Education, Huai Jinpeng. The conference focused on the integration of artificial intelligence and innovation into the field of education.

Delivering remarks at the opening ceremony, the Minister spoke about reforms in Georgia’s higher education system and the promotion of Chinese-language studies. Mikanadze emphasized the growing cooperation between Georgia and China in the field of education, which, in his words, has a positive impact on both the educational and scientific sectors.

Visit of Georgia’s Minister of Education to China

November 15

Georgia’s Minister of Education, Science and Youth, Givi Mikanadze, held a meeting in Beijing with the Minister of Education of the People’s Republic of China, Huai Jinpeng, on the sidelines of the World Chinese Language Conference.

The parties discussed prospects for further strengthening the existing strategic partnership between the two countries. They also reviewed ways to implement joint projects and initiatives in the field of education.

Givi Mikanadze provided a detailed overview of the higher education reform presented by Irakli Kobakhidze. In addition, the Deputy Minister of Education spoke about the trends in the development of Chinese-language teaching in Georgia.

It is noteworthy that during his visit to China, the Minister also visited the Nanjing Institute of Railway Technology, where he discussed deepening cooperation with the Georgian Railway Transport College—an issue he described as critically important for training railway specialists in the country.

As part of the visit, Givi Mikanadze also visited the headquarters of the Chinese company Huawei and met with the company’s Vice President, Zhang Chengtao. At the meeting, Zhang Chengtao announced that Huawei will donate the equipment required for setting up a smart classroom to one of Tbilisi’s schools free of charge.

Economy Minister’s Comment on the Georgian Delegation's Visit to China

According to Mariam Kvrivishvili, the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development, the visit of the Georgian delegation to China, led by Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, was very successful.

She emphasized that the major Chinese airline, Air China, is starting regular air traffic between the capitals of Georgia and China. Cooperation has moved to a new stage, with a special focus on attracting investments. Furthermore, the export of poultry meat from Georgia has been allowed into the Chinese market, which is important for Georgian entrepreneurs.

The Minister noted that China is a strategic target country for Georgia in terms of trade and economy, and the export of Georgian products is increasing. Confirmation of this was Georgia’s first participation with the status of an Honorable Guest Country at the China International Import Expo in Shanghai.

Azerbaijan

Screening of the film “One Belt, One Road” at the Azerbaijan University of Languages

November 10

At the Azerbaijan University of Languages, a screening was held of the documentary film “China’s Global Vision: The One Belt, One Road Initiative.” The film explores the role of the Trans-Caspian international transport corridor in the project to revive China’s historic Silk Road.

The meeting was moderated by Rafik Abbasov, Director of the Confucius Institute at the Azerbaijan University of Languages. In his remarks, Abbasov focused on Azerbaijan’s active participation in the expansion of humanitarian ties, political and intercultural dialogues developed under the One Belt, One Road Initiative and the Silk Road.

At the meeting, the Chinese Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Lu Mei, spoke and noted that the One Belt, One Road project has become a symbol of bilateral development. The Ambassador also said that Azerbaijan plays an important role in transport and logistics routes that connect East and West.

The event was also attended by Fariz Aliyev, Director of the Transport Policy Department of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan.

The film was produced by journalist Anastasia Lavrina. In her remarks, Lavrina said the film aims to highlight China’s strategic significance in the global economy and Azerbaijan’s role along the Middle Corridor.

International scientific conference on Azerbaijan–China relations held in Beijing

November 10

An international scientific conference on Azerbaijan–China relations took place in Beijing.

The conference, organized by the Embassy of China in Azerbaijan, addressed various aspects of relations between Azerbaijan and China. Representatives of the relevant departments of the academies of sciences of both countries, as well as representatives of universities and analytical centres, attended and spoke about prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the political, economic, cultural, humanitarian, and educational fields.

At the conference, it was noted that China is a major trading partner of Azerbaijan. The countries closely cooperate in industry, investment, transport, logistics, energy, and other areas. Speakers also noted that educational and other cultural exchange projects related to language teaching will contribute to deepening “friendship” between the countries.

Agreement between Azerbaijani and Chinese companies

November 13

On 13 November in Beijing, an agreement was signed between the joint enterprise Azerbaijan Metal Company LLC and the Chinese company Sinosteel Equipment & Engineering Co. Ltd concerning the construction of a hot-briquetted iron plant in the Shamkir district of Azerbaijan. The agreement, valued at USD 1,510,000, envisages the preparation of the project’s technical and economic feasibility study.

According to released information, the technical and economic feasibility study to be prepared under the project will constitute a key stage for the construction and future operation of the plant in the Shamkir district. The document, which is to be prepared within four months, will be the main source for international financial institutions as potential project donors.

In this direction, a meeting was held between representatives of Azerbaijani companies AzerGold, “Daşkəsən Dəmir Filiz”, and “Azerbaijan Metal Company” and Chinese companies China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation (Sinosure) and Sinosteel Equipment & Engineering Co., Ltd (Sinosteel).

During the meeting between the companies, technical details of the project and financing mechanisms were discussed. In this regard, emphasis was placed on attracting project creditors from the Chinese market.

Chinese company to build a wind power plant in Azerbaijan

November 12

In November 2024, a memorandum was signed between the People’s Republic of China and the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan to study the Caspian Sea’s wind energy potential. Under this memorandum, construction of a wind power plant with a capacity of 2,000 megawatts is planned by 2030.

To realize the Caspian Sea wind energy potential, the ministry is cooperating with Chinese companies — China Energy Overseas Investment Co. Ltd, China Datang Overseas Investment Co. Ltd, and PowerChina Resources Limited.

Ilham Aliyev met a delegation from a Chinese company

November 12

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with Liu Jun, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Chinese company China Datang Corporation Ltd.

At the meeting, Aliyev emphasized the importance of the delegation’s visit as an opportunity to discuss prospects for cooperation. The President noted that many Chinese companies operate in Azerbaijan and, following the introduction of visa-free travel, the number of Chinese tourists in the country has also increased.

During the meeting with the Chinese company, prospects for cooperation on green energy and green industrial park projects were discussed.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy met representatives of a Chinese company

November 12

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, met with Lyu (Liu) Jun, Chairman of China Datang Corporation Ltd.

The parties discussed cooperation prospects. In particular, attention was paid to the energy transition, implementation of the “joint green energy industrial park” project, capital investments in the energy sector, and technology transfer.

Visit of Azerbaijan’s Standardization Institute to China

November 13

Representatives of the Azerbaijan Standardization Institute, subordinated to the State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control of Azerbaijan, participated in an international seminar held in Chengdu and Shenzhen on “Strengthening Standardization for Climate Change in Developing Countries.”

The seminar was co-organised by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the State Administration for Market Regulation, the Academy for International Officials, and the Chengdu Institute of Standardization.

Memorandum of understanding signed between the Institute of Information Technologies and the CORE Academy in Hong Kong

November 13

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Azerbaijan’s Institute of Information Technologies of the Ministry of Science and Education and the CORE Academy in Hong Kong on cooperation.

The memorandum envisages cooperation in priority fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and other areas. In particular, according to the memorandum, joint scientific research, participation in grant projects, organisation of seminars and conferences, and exchange of personnel/experience are planned.

Baku State University at the World Chinese Language Congress

November 14

Representatives of Baku State University took part in the World Chinese Language Congress held in Beijing.

The congress discussed intensifying educational ties, studying advanced experience in teaching the Chinese language, and developing joint innovative programmes.

It is noteworthy that Chinese language teaching is actively carried out at Baku State University. In 2023, the university signed an agreement with China’s Ministry of Education and Anhui University on “International Chinese Language Teaching,” which envisaged the creation of a double-degree undergraduate programme in Philology (Chinese Language and Literature).

As part of the congress, representatives of Baku State University met with Yu Baotao, Chairman of the University Council of Anhui University. During the meeting, the parties discussed cooperation prospects.

Baku State University begins cooperation with Tianshui Pedagogical University

November 14

A memorandum of understanding was signed between Baku State University and Tianshui Normal University of China.

The memorandum envisages joint projects, conferences, exhibitions, seminars, symposiums, short-term courses, training, and joint scientific-research initiatives. According to the memorandum, joint academic and exchange programmes between the universities and cooperation in developing curricula and syllabi are planned.

Armenia

Chinese Ambassador’s Article Published in Armenian Media

November 12

On 12 November 2025, the Chinese Ambassador to Armenia, Li Xinwei, published an article in Armenpress titled “Sharing Development Opportunities and Building a Beautiful Future Together.” The article discusses the outcomes of the 4th Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and outlines the key priorities of China’s upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030).

In the article, Li emphasizes that despite global “turbulence,” China continues to maintain stable economic growth and advance the development of high-tech industries, artificial intelligence, green energy, and the model of “Chinese-style modernization.” The author also highlights China’s “global development initiatives”—the Global Security Initiative, the Belt and Road Initiative, and others—which he describes as expressions of China’s “consistent commitment” to openness and innovation.

The ambassador notes that the new Five-Year Plan not only defines the strategic direction of China’s transformation but also creates new opportunities for partner countries, including Armenia. He underscores that China–Armenia relations achieved “historic progress” this year with the establishment of a strategic partnership, marking a new stage in bilateral cooperation.

In the article, Li calls on Armenia to pursue deeper cooperation in trade, technology, science, culture, and tourism. According to him, strengthened ties will enable both countries to “share development opportunities” and jointly contribute to the creation of a more interconnected and stable Eurasian region.

Uzbekistan

Uzbek Goods to Be Sold on China’s Largest Online Marketplace

November 14

One of China’s largest e-commerce platforms, JD.com, has officially launched Uzbekistan’s national pavilion. The project aims to systematically promote high-value-added Uzbek products on the Chinese market, expand the presence of national brands on online platforms, and accelerate entrepreneurs’ integration into cross-border digital trade.

According to Dunyo News Agency, the launch of the pavilion on JD.com will support the promotion of Uzbek goods, expand national brands’ participation on online trading platforms, and speed up the integration of entrepreneurs into cross-border e-commerce. The pavilion will also serve as a “one-stop window” for Uzbek manufacturers and exporters seeking access to the Chinese market.

It is noteworthy that JD.com is one of China’s largest e-commerce platforms, with its own logistics network, as well as systems for quality control and after-sales services.

Uzbekistan and China Discuss New Agricultural Projects

November 14

Nuriddin Qoshnazarov, Adviser to the Minister of Agriculture, held a meeting in China’s Anhui Province with Cao Haiqiong, Director of Anhui Agricultural University. The sides discussed cooperation in agricultural education, science, and production integration. They also reviewed prospects for expanding collaboration in “smart agriculture,” tea cultivation and processing, water-saving technologies, and biological breeding.

During the talks, the parties examined opportunities for further developing agricultural cooperation between the two countries and implementing modern scientific and innovative projects in practice.

At the beginning of the meeting, Cao Haiqiong positively assessed the existing cooperation with Tashkent State Agrarian University, noting that joint scientific research and student exchange programs between the two universities have yielded significant results in recent years.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to further expand cooperation, strengthen exchange programs, and integrate China’s advanced agricultural technologies into Uzbekistan’s agricultural education system.

Scroll to Top